New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek. John Jones-Imagn Images

Tyler Kolek could play a major role in Knicks' success this season

By Tim Josephs | Last updated Oct 23, 2024 1:48 PM ET

After their best season in seemingly forever, the New York Knicks could’ve run things back this year. Instead, they decided to up the ante with two major trades, garnering Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns in the process.

While both of these players will have a significant impact on the team’s success this year, so too may a rookie who was drafted without much fanfare.

In the 2024 draft, the Knicks were active, drafting — and then often trading — a number of players. While Pacome Dadiet, a guard taken in the first round looks promising, it’s who they got in Round 2 that could have a big impact on how far the team goes this year.

Many people thought Tyler Kolek was a sure first-rounder, with some believing he might go as high as 15th. He had an excellent four-year college career, and in 2023 with Marquette, led the nation in assists and was named Big East Player of the Year. But, for whatever reason, he fell to the second round where the Knicks quickly scooped him up, and he could end up being a steal.

In the Summer League, Kolek often looked like the best guard — if not the best player — on the floor. In five games, he averaged 9.6 points and seven assists, with only 1.4 turnovers. Plus, against the Kings, he did this:

Now, rookies taken late in the draft typically don’t see a lot of action their first season, and this is especially true when they are on a good team. Plus, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is notorious for not giving young players many minutes.

However, that may change this year with Kolek, as he looks ready to contribute.

An additional reason why Kolek may eventually get into the rotation is because another Thibodeau attribute is that he plays his guys tough.

Last season, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart were Nos. 14 and 38, respectively, for most minutes played in the league, according to Basketball Reference. And, newcomer Bridges was No. 22 on that list. This means that over the course of a long season, there is going to be a lot of wear and tear on these guys.

If Thibodeau wants to avoid the fate of last year’s team where it looked like a triage unit in the postseason, he might have to use some of the youngsters.

Expectations for the Knicks are as high as they’ve been in decades. And while success ultimately lies with the star players like Brunson and Towns, the team shouldn’t underestimate the potential impact of Kolek and the other young guns on the roster.

Tim Josephs

Originally from New Jersey, Tim Josephs now finds himself in North Carolina. Thanks to his dad, he’s been a lifelong fan of only the lowliest New York sports teams. His biggest sports thrill was being at Game 6 of the 1986 World Series – which he left early, also thanks to his dad.

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